LOCAL AREA NETWORKS
When more than two computers are linked together so that they can share information, a network is formed. Networks in a relatively confined geographical area are called local area networks (LANs), while networks distributed over wider geographical areas are referred to as wide area networks (WANs).
Local area networks (LANs) are systems designed to connect computers in relatively close proximity. These connections enable users attached to the network to share resources such as printers, modems, and other hardware devices on the network.
LAN connections also enable users to communicate with each other to share data among their computers.
When discussing LANs, there are two basic topics to consider, the LAN’s topology (hardware connection method) and its protocol (communication control method).
In concept, a minimum of three stations must be connected to have a true LAN. If only two units are connected, point-to-point communications software and a simple null modem could be employed.
Network topologies are physical connection/configuration strategies. LAN topologies
fall into four types of configurations:
- Bus
- Ring
- Star
- Mesh
The following figure shows all four topologies.
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| Star, Bus, Ring, and Mesh Configurations |
Well, the next publication will give more about about network topologies.
Keep it up!
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